On Shore – Dartmouth Regatta

FUN on 'dryish' land!

FRIDAY FUN DAY

FRIDAY 29TH AUGUST

FRIDAY is the day the Hospitality businesses go into battle along side some of our cadets from the Britannia Royal Naval College! and you can join them.

Located on the Boatfloat with the first races starting around 10.30am, is the place to be to see this time honoured local tradition.

The Regatta committee reminds onlookers and participants that they are there at their own risk, you will get wet, and they or the sponsors cannot take responsibility for their safety. With the prize of Almost International Glory for the winners, this is always a hard-fought race and teams are reminded that the Regatta officials’ decisions are always final. Oh, and fancy dress is a must

TRADITIONAL WAITER & WAITRESSES RACE

Always a fun contest, no longer just a competition for locals working in our local’s. Visitors are more than welcome too… mostly 😊

Dartmouth is full of restaurants, cafes and pubs that sell food, so it’s pretty obvious that it has its fair share of waiters and waitresses, and they are all keen to prove that not only their establishment is the best in town, but their staff that have the capability of serving the quickest.

However if you want to step into your inner Waiter or Waitress.. think Downton Abbey meets the Queen Vic! Then why not give it a go!

Although winning is a must, speed isn’t the deciding factor for the race to get over the finishing line first. No, it’s skill, style and balance that gives the edge to the winner that takes the prize, because it’s the one with the most liquid left in their glass at the end who is crowned winner.

The measuring is ALWAYS carefully scrutinised by the judge at the finishing line.

BARREL ROLLING

In days gone by…. one of the highlights of Regatta for the locals, is the fact that the crews of visiting Royal Navy ships could usually be persuaded to come ashore and show off their prowess by taking part in the Barrell Rolling Race. We are, however, still very fortunate to have the impressive Britannia Royal Naval College overlooking our town.. so the crews do not have as far to travel!.

Their presence in the event is sure to bring out a few of the local lads, determined to show off their own muscles and dexterity.

It’s not exactly the field gun competition at the Military Tattoo, but you’d never know that from the effort put in by the teams, all determined to prove that they have the required skills to win. Fortunately for the crowds that line the route, we don’t often get teams who have the necessary skills, and so the event is fabulously funny entertainment.

The teams of four have to manoeuvre the barrels by hand only (it is strictly forbidden to pick a barrel up), and it is an instant disqualification for any team that is perceived to be rolling their barrel without due care and attention.

Get your team of four together and sign up!

INTERNATIONAL TROLLEY GRAND PRIX

There is no record of the first time this event was held, but it is now such a well-established part of Regatta that it is guaranteed to attract teams from as far away as Kingswear!

The most hotly contested of the “Just for Fun” events, when teams of two, consisting of a driver and a mechanic, are entered by local establishments and the armed services, who play such a big part in our Regatta. The race is pretty basic – at the signal, the driver pushes their trolley, in which sits a container of fuel (water)!! along The Embankment to The Crab, and then back to start line.

But it isn’t that simple. This is where the mechanic comes in. Obviously, as the trolley races along the track it uses fuel, not in the conventional way of Formula One – this is only Dartmouth, not Monte Carlo – so the fuel leaks from holes in the containers. The poor old mechanic has to keep running from the refuelling tank to their trolley to refill the container. Once the container is empty the driver has to stop and wait for their mechanic. Any driver who moves without fuel could be disqualified. The winners are the team that crosses the finishes line first. Are you keeping up??

Anyone thinking of entering a team should insist on being the driver, as they definitely have the easier job. Not only are the fuel tanks leaky, but so are the buckets provided for the mechanics to refill them.

james prestwood flyboarding

Friday 29th August, 2025,

James Prestwood is a professional flyboarder, thrilling audiences with jaw-dropping stunts above the water. His high-energy displays combine extreme sport, skill, and spectacle, creating unforgettable entertainment for all ages.

REGATTA GEOLOGY WALK

Saturday, 23rd August, 2025, starting at 10.00 a.m. outside the Flavel Arts Centre.

The Regatta Geology Walk is limited to 15 persons and for adults only. It will be a one and a half hour guided walk around town explaining its geology. There is no charge but a retiring collection in aid of the Flavel Arts Centre.

The organiser of the walk will be Tim Freeman who is the convenor of the local U3A Geology group.

best dressed window

SATURDAY 30th AUGUST

Throughout Regatta week, many of our local businesses will be joining in the celebrations by creating spectacular window displays. Participating shops and businesses will display a special card in their window so you can spot them easily.

A panel of judges will tour the town and select the winner on Tuesday 27th August.

This popular competition is kindly sponsored by Dartmouth Boating & Angling Company.

ADULT CRABBING COMPETITION

Tuesday 26th August on the Embankment

Crabbing guidelines apply

Probably the best crabbing competition in the World...

Prizes courtesy of Bays Brewery

DARTMOUTH REGATTA RECITALS

model power boats

Friday 29th August, 2025,

OffshoreMBE is a group of model powerboat enthusiasts who build, run, and race model offshore powerboats across four racing classes: Tiddlers (small electric boats under 1m), Open Electric (electric boats over 1m), Open IC (petrol-powered boats), and Open Cat (catamarans powered by electric or petrol).

Their Dartmouth demo will feature around six local members and over a dozen boats, including models raced by former British Champions, showcasing both circuit heats and thrilling

shopping parade

The Royal Regatta Shopping Parade takes place along the beautiful North Embankment for four exciting days, from Wednesday 27th to Saturday 30th August.

Trading Hours:

Retail Stalls: 09:00 – 21:00
Catering & Bars: 09:00 – 22:00

Set against the stunning backdrop of the River Dart, this vibrant shopping stretch offers a wonderful mix of high-quality retail stands and delicious hot food from around the world, with plenty of welcoming spaces for visitors to relax and soak up the atmosphere.

Visitors can browse a wide variety of stalls showcasing:

Jewellery & handbags
Arts & crafts
Gifts & homeware
Pet products & accessories
Local spirits & artisan drinks
Clothing & watersports gear
Unique pieces from talented local artists

Adding to the experience, there will be lively bars with seating including:

Bays Regatta Bars
Amore Wine Bars
Gin & Sin and the Tiki Bar

The Royal Avenue Gardens has become a foodie favourite in recent years, renowned for hosting some of the best international street food vendors. This year will be no exception, with an eclectic mix of flavours you won’t find anywhere else in Dartmouth.

Expect a mouth-watering line-up including Thai, Italian, African, Greek, and French cuisines, with vegetarian and vegan choices available. Sweet treats, artisan coffee, cakes, and confectionery will also be on offer.

Alongside the food, visitors can enjoy bars, catering outlets, and select retail stands, making the Gardens a must-visit destination during Regatta.